Outlaw Motorcycle Club Misconceptions

True hardcore bikers are an odd crowd, or 1 percenters if you like. I can't say they are my favorite people, and they tend to treat their women like shit. I am not saying they turn them into prostitutes, but I don't think men and women hold equal status in your average oultaw motorcycle club.

I do kind of like the whole, "I'll live my life, you live yours. If you fuck with my life I will fuck with yours." attitude. I can't say I have been immersed, but I have spent enough time playing pool in biker bars to get the gist of the deal.

Hunter Thompson's First book was titled "Hell's Angels." He rode around with them for almost a year I think and then got stomped because they thought he was a narc. It is an interesting read and a look into the "outlaw" mind set seperate from the "criminal" mind set.

Res ipsa loquitur.
memor mori, mahalo.

Your perception of motorcycle gang/club life is most accurate; I should know for my ol' man was a 1%er until a few years ago. Evidence of this can also be found in the book about the Bandidos called "Out In Bad Standings", which explains in great detail the legal side of the club life, and actually portrays the clubs in a very good light. You can see more about this book at:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0977174700/002-9303164-0532847?v=glance...

I also recently heard a rumor that there will be a new series on cable TV this fall, about the legal aspect of the motorcycle clubs, which will dive into the employment, families and club interaction of individual members, focusing on a different motorcycle club each week.

I feel like everyone just needs somewhere to belong. Motorcyclers tend to be rough, but I can respect that they need a group to be in. People will be who they are regardless of if they are in groups or not. Biking clubs appeal to people with a biker-mentality. Even if they do take part in some less than awesome activities, that is who they are. I don't think it is a result of the club, just the people in it.

I agree that the association witch hardcore bikers and crime is often undeserved but I still don't completly agree with the attitudes held by many groups like the Hell's Angels in general.

My uncle is a biker (he's not in any kind of group but it's pretty much his lifestyle) and often complains about some people he knew that joined the Hell's Angels. He said they started acting differently, like they were better than everyone else, acting tough for no reason, etc.

I also seem to recall a group of Hell's Angels supporting the KKK at one point, which they fail to mention on the link you provided about their history.

I agree you shouldn't totally buy into the idea that "motorcycle gangs" are a breeding ground for crime, drugs, and abuse. Many people are just there for a good time to share in a common interest, however I still think you are overly downplaying the amount of problems that do go on in groups such as the Hell's Angels.

My dad used to be in a motorcycle gang, and was very good friends with people from Hell's Angels - and though he uses the association to scare my potential suitors off, I know he is just joking around. He cherishes his biking days because of the friends he made, the times he had, and the travelling he did. Next to parenthood, he says it was the best time of his life. Everyone needs somewhere they belong - why not have fun riding while you do it? Just because some bikers choose to be the 1%ers (hardcore as you may say), doesn't mean they're all like that. Just because some people are alcoholics doesn't mean all those who drink are!

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
- Albert Einstein

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/blonde-bickerman

Yes it is true that most motorcyclists are mistaken for outlaws or for gang members but that started for a reason... My uncle belongs to a motorcycle "gang" so I know the perspective you are coming from. Keep in mind that there is no myth without truth behind it. Not all motorcyclists are in the group to do good or for respect. There are those that are there to do harm. It's not that I'm just talking smack, but keep in mind that there are always two sides of the story
Its not my job to kill you....

I compleletely agree. My friend's dad was in a motorcycle club, and to be honest, before I met him and his friends from the club, i was very scared of bikers from the stereotypes made about them. The truth is that I didn't even know that about him for awhile, he was the nicest guy and there was nothing in the least bit scary or off-set about him. They're just like you and me, except they love motorcycles and want to spend time with people who share that interest.

okay...

It's Not illegal to be a biker

I guess this all depends on perspective and location. In Canada the "biker wars" have been going on for years and people routinely end up dead. It is documented that many of these gangs are criminal enterprises, much different than the US and other countries. This of course doesn't mean that all participants are criminals, but is the definite source as to where these "misconceptions" are born. See article:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/bikergangs/

What people don't know about biker's is the fact that they are some of the most giving people in the world.We are always raising money for some sort of charity or another and/or doing benefit rides and parties to help people in need.We have some of the biggest hearts in society.I bet we have givin more of our time and money to benefit something than anyone who has a negative view on bikers.

I want to start by saying that most people get their ideas from the media. My father was a member of the Grim Reapers MC of IL. (GRMC) and our family life was not normal in the Ozzy and Harriet aspect but who's is? I mean we had a normal family in the aspect of normal middleclass family. Normal issues- Parents, party when they can and due their normal duties as parents 80% of the rest of the time. I believe I was blessed to be a part of the 1% lifestyle as a child. Our community consists of a number of street gangs that seem to think they run sh*t around here. However when I was a kid there was not one problem for me being hastled by these thug type gangs around here for one reason, My dads a reaper. People knew that they protected their own. Unlike the rest of these gangs. I can recall numerous incidents where my heritage has saved my hyde. Some of my buddies has had the misfortune of being jumped and other things by these little gangs around here but I have always blatantly bragged about my pops affiliation, which most people allready knew this, which inturn has made my life as a young adult a little easier. When I was at the clubhouse or wherever may have been at the time it was like a big family. My mother, (an OL lady) was never a dolly (a woman passed around by club members) There were dollies which I now know about since I am grown and have a family of my own. But MOST of the time it was consentual. I will admit that my father was not always good to my mom but that was his choice not the clubs. I believe your views that the fear of biker clubs and there actions are completely instilled by the media. I had a vacant building across the street from my house in this small little town which I now reside in. The patriot Gaurd Riders Purchased the building and are great bunch of guys, NOT an 1% group, but some 1%ers follow their rides out of respect for our soldiers. One day I went to the gas station in the town bout 5 miles away the cashier snarled did you see they sold that building to a bunch of bikers? I told that prude who do you think makes sure our soldiers get home safely? Who do you think blocks them damn protesters from our soldiers funerals? She had a blank look on her face as if she really did not know that. I thought how ironic. This is a perfect example of what the media has instilled in the publics minds. Sure there are crooked cops, politicians, bankers, even cashiers, but do we say well this ones a crook so they all must be? People DO need to rethink what they've been told by the media. Just my 2 cents.
The Shovelheadhunter

I can most certainly attest to the fact that most "Outlaw" motorcyclists are wrongfully stereotyped. Most are hard-working people who have families and lead for the most part, normal lives. Albeit what is normal to some is abnormal to others. But lets keep it real. We are talking about specifically "one-percenters" here. Though the annals of history are full of stories of stereotypes, rumors, conjecture and the like, lets take a step back, shall we?

I dare you to ask a Hells Angel what the "Filthy Few" patch means, or ask an Outlaw what the SS Style patch or tattoo he bears means. Ask a Mongol what the skull and crossbones patch on his vest means, he will likely tell you to F-off but any cop in L.A. will tell you that it means this person has killed for the club. The fact is, the "outlaw" motorcycle clubs have their badges of merit for those who go to extremes for the club. Period. We are not talking about angels (no pun intended) or saints here. These are hardcore, serious people who will F**k you up in a minute if you cross them. Each of the major "outlaw" MC's (motorcycle clubs) have their badges for serious things done by serious people. Most 1%ers are awesome, loyal people who will give the shirt off their back for a friend and take a bullet for a brother. But lets not lose sight of the fact that these are some serious folks as well with their own set of rules, laws, by-laws, infractions, crimes and punishments. A black eye is a common form of punishment for screwing up. This is usually followed by being demoted to "prospect" which is how they started out before becoming a fully patched member.

I don't contest anything anyone has said in this blog and agree for the most part with all that has been written.. But let me keep it real for anyone who wants to talk like they know something because they hang around the guys at the local biker bar. One-percenters are a breed of their own. Just look at the mottos of the major groups for the love of God!:

"Three can keep a secret if two are dead"--Hells Angels

"God Forgives, Outlaws Don't"--Outlaws MC

"We are the ones your parents warned you about"--Banditos MC

So 'cmon people. We are not dealing with boyscouts here. Lets just keep it real and keep things in perspective. Yes, the majority of them are just like you and me but honestly, who among us would take the chance of pissing one of these guys off? Therein lies the difference...Just being honest.

July 14, 2008
The Oakdale Leader / The Modesto Bee (News Editors)
The Oakdale Leader “community comments, and or opinions”
122 South 3rd Ave
Oakdale, CA. 95361
The Modesto Bee “community comments, and or opinions”
P.O. Box 5256
Modesto, CA. 95352

Jeanine Mr

Oakdale, CA. 95361

Dear The Oakdale Leader / The Modesto Bee team (News Editors), Opinions
I would like to voice my comments on the article ‘Bikers Tired Of Treatment; in the Modesto Bee Local section B dated Wednesday July 2nd, 3rd in 2008.
In reading the article that Wednesday I was happy yet saddened at the same time. I have been riding since about 1974, and my 74-year-old father still rides in the wind today.
It’s been quite awhile that I’ve thought about writing both the Modesto Bee and the Oakdale Leader in the honor of motorcycle riders with or without patches on their jackets or vests. I truly hope each and everyone that reads this has a much better understanding of Motorcycle clubs and their way of life, Harley riders and club members alike.
My personal experiences come from the Silicon Valley/Bay Area, through the Central Valley including meeting many others from time to time around the States. These Motorcycle clubs are Men’s clubs no different then the elks, the Lions club or the moose lodge, even somewhat like the Clampers, which are very well known. Although I must add, you don’t have to bring your Liver to a motorcycle run like you would a doin’s at a Clamper function (sorry guys)
They have family’s they are great parents most have average salaries between $42,000.00 and $78,000.00 a year, most of them DO NOT drink, or do drugs, and if in fact if they do have a few cocktails, do have a designated driver. Most I would even describe as workaholics, they have tattoos that simply symbolize their individualities “the love of artwork no different than artwork some love in sculpture, or paintings. These men and their women have pretty high standards when it comes to respect, morals, and values that we were taught as children, and still hold with us today.
Let me clear up a few things here first of all there is good and bad in everyone, in every field, organization, and Government. There are good and bad doctors, lawyers, bikers, and ‘yes even Police Officers, sadly enough more times then not. It’s appalling to me that it has even come to a point that at times children are afraid to approach a Police Officer because they are frightened with some of the things they have read, or have even witnessed. Again let me point out this is NOT a letter bashing Police Officers! I have met some very down to earth cops as well, the ones that went into their fields for the love and safety of people, however I have also come across kids that went all the way through the Police Academy, then decided not to go into the field because of politics, the stand by and back your fellow officer, wrong or right.
Here are some things to ponder:
Most bikers including the Hell Angels do not start fights or get into confrontations; in fact they try hard to avoid it altogether, but they are certainly not going to back down from any wrong doing in the areas of injustice, or disrespect. I can assure you that if your 70-year-old wife is stuck on the side of the road it will be the big hairy biker that will come to her aid before most anyone else. I can also assure you that our neighborhoods are significantly safer with a biker on your street more so then not. I also want to point out the large amounts of money these clubs raise every year for all kinds of benefits, mostly favoring those that involve children.
The parenting skills of these gentle giants are unbelievable, they stick to their guns when comes to the rules, you will never see the out-of-site out of mind motto in these families. They do not go on vacation to the Bahamas and leave the house to the kids to have free range, they have strict rules, because they have seen first hand the far from perfect world we’re forced to live in today. They are family oriented, territorial and protective of the ones they love, “and that my friends is the way it should be!
The kids of these family’s are taught wrong from right, to treat people the way they would want to be treated. We talk to them about life we tell them that sometimes the person you least expect to hurt you probably will, that two wrongs don’t make a right, that money doesn’t by class, and yes how to protect themselves in the far from perfect world we live in today, and that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Bikers give their kids a day “if you will “ they are old school boys, they spend time with them, they don’t buy them a car they help them build one, and they had to have earned it...
I beg each and every one of you, hopefully reading this today, Police Officers as well, to take a real good look at today’s new generation of parents, and adults, they may appear quite a bit more conservative looking but looking a little closer, underneath you may find this doesn’t make them any better at parenting, or a better person. If you could find the time, and have the respect to get to know one someday, you’ll find that they help more so then hinder our community!
My wish is for all of you to look beyond this rugged exterior so that you will have a true understanding, and find they are more of a benefit to our society much more so than a burden. For God sakes let’s stop the subjectiveness, the status quo image, the biker trash theory you have been lead to believe for too many years now.
I can list many things to center your attention around in areas of crime, drugs, drinking and driving. Please stop wasting your precious time, and our tax dollars on hassling innocent Bikers, and or Bike Clubs and their families.
There are so many other things Law enforcement can focus their attention on in these areas. EXAMPLE: look at our 20 year old and under crowd, there, without a dought is more trouble during spring break, and rodeo weekend then there are at any Biker rallies! And this my friends is a fact.

Please remember the Oath you took to serve and protect! NOT to discriminate, or place judgment. Remember our constitution, and the wise words of our forefathers, now rolling in their graves. The wisdom of these men on freedom of speech, freedom of choice, and the security we should all have in our own homes.
Life has put all of us through test after test; please let our Motorcycle clubs and their members raise their families in peace, without the fear of being criminalized by society, and law enforcement alike. It’s hard enough to teach our children morals, values, and respect these days. After all it’s the constant harassment placed upon our bikers that has forced them into watching their backs, not placing much trust in mankind. Unfortunately society and Law enforcement alike have played big roles in placing this burden upon them. I would hate to think it’s come to cops against bikers instead cops against robbers.
Which reminds me of Two Motorcycle clubs, Wind And Fire is one of them, they’re firefighters that get along just fine with the (so called) outlaw bike clubs. And may I add that the motorcycle riders that have Billy clubs, and guns on their vests! Are??????????
You guest it, your communities Police departments.

Sincerely,

JJM

July 14, 2008
The Oakdale Leader / The Modesto Bee (News Editors)
The Oakdale Leader “community comments, and or opinions”
122 South 3rd Ave
Oakdale, CA. 95361
The Modesto Bee “community comments, and or opinions”
P.O. Box 5256
Modesto, CA. 95352

Jeanine Mr

Oakdale, CA. 95361

Dear The Oakdale Leader / The Modesto Bee team (News Editors), Opinions
I would like to voice my comments on the article ‘Bikers Tired Of Treatment; in the Modesto Bee Local section B dated Wednesday July 2nd, 3rd in 2008.
In reading the article that Wednesday I was happy yet saddened at the same time. I have been riding since about 1974, and my 74-year-old father still rides in the wind today.
It’s been quite awhile that I’ve thought about writing both the Modesto Bee and the Oakdale Leader in the honor of motorcycle riders with or without patches on their jackets or vests. I truly hope each and everyone that reads this has a much better understanding of Motorcycle clubs and their way of life, Harley riders and club members alike.
My personal experiences come from the Silicon Valley/Bay Area, through the Central Valley including meeting many others from time to time around the States. These Motorcycle clubs are Men’s clubs no different then the elks, the Lions club or the moose lodge, even somewhat like the Clampers, which are very well known. Although I must add, you don’t have to bring your Liver to a motorcycle run like you would a doin’s at a Clamper function (sorry guys)
They have family’s they are great parents most have average salaries between $42,000.00 and $78,000.00 a year, most of them DO NOT drink, or do drugs, and if in fact if they do have a few cocktails, do have a designated driver. Most I would even describe as workaholics, they have tattoos that simply symbolize their individualities “the love of artwork no different than artwork some love in sculpture, or paintings. These men and their women have pretty high standards when it comes to respect, morals, and values that we were taught as children, and still hold with us today.
Let me clear up a few things here first of all there is good and bad in everyone, in every field, organization, and Government. There are good and bad doctors, lawyers, bikers, and ‘yes even Police Officers, sadly enough more times then not. It’s appalling to me that it has even come to a point that at times children are afraid to approach a Police Officer because they are frightened with some of the things they have read, or have even witnessed. Again let me point out this is NOT a letter bashing Police Officers! I have met some very down to earth cops as well, the ones that went into their fields for the love and safety of people, however I have also come across kids that went all the way through the Police Academy, then decided not to go into the field because of politics, the stand by and back your fellow officer, wrong or right.
Here are some things to ponder:
Most bikers including the Hell Angels do not start fights or get into confrontations; in fact they try hard to avoid it altogether, but they are certainly not going to back down from any wrong doing in the areas of injustice, or disrespect. I can assure you that if your 70-year-old wife is stuck on the side of the road it will be the big hairy biker that will come to her aid before most anyone else. I can also assure you that our neighborhoods are significantly safer with a biker on your street more so then not. I also want to point out the large amounts of money these clubs raise every year for all kinds of benefits, mostly favoring those that involve children.
The parenting skills of these gentle giants are unbelievable, they stick to their guns when comes to the rules, you will never see the out-of-site out of mind motto in these families. They do not go on vacation to the Bahamas and leave the house to the kids to have free range, they have strict rules, because they have seen first hand the far from perfect world we’re forced to live in today. They are family oriented, territorial and protective of the ones they love, “and that my friends is the way it should be!
The kids of these family’s are taught wrong from right, to treat people the way they would want to be treated. We talk to them about life we tell them that sometimes the person you least expect to hurt you probably will, that two wrongs don’t make a right, that money doesn’t by class, and yes how to protect themselves in the far from perfect world we live in today, and that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Bikers give their kids a day “if you will “ they are old school boys, they spend time with them, they don’t buy them a car they help them build one, and they had to have earned it...
I beg each and every one of you, hopefully reading this today, Police Officers as well, to take a real good look at today’s new generation of parents, and adults, they may appear quite a bit more conservative looking but looking a little closer, underneath you may find this doesn’t make them any better at parenting, or a better person. If you could find the time, and have the respect to get to know one someday, you’ll find that they help more so then hinder our community!
My wish is for all of you to look beyond this rugged exterior so that you will have a true understanding, and find they are more of a benefit to our society much more so than a burden. For God sakes let’s stop the subjectiveness, the status quo image, the biker trash theory you have been lead to believe for too many years now.
I can list many things to center your attention around in areas of crime, drugs, drinking and driving. Please stop wasting your precious time, and our tax dollars on hassling innocent Bikers, and or Bike Clubs and their families.
There are so many other things Law enforcement can focus their attention on in these areas. EXAMPLE: look at our 20 year old and under crowd, there, without a dought is more trouble during spring break, and rodeo weekend then there are at any Biker rallies! And this my friends is a fact.

Please remember the Oath you took to serve and protect! NOT to discriminate, or place judgment. Remember our constitution, and the wise words of our forefathers, now rolling in their graves. The wisdom of these men on freedom of speech, freedom of choice, and the security we should all have in our own homes.
Life has put all of us through test after test; please let our Motorcycle clubs and their members raise their families in peace, without the fear of being criminalized by society, and law enforcement alike. It’s hard enough to teach our children morals, values, and respect these days. After all it’s the constant harassment placed upon our bikers that has forced them into watching their backs, not placing much trust in mankind. Unfortunately society and Law enforcement alike have played big roles in placing this burden upon them. I would hate to think it’s come to cops against bikers instead cops against robbers.
Which reminds me of Two Motorcycle clubs, Wind And Fire is one of them, they’re firefighters that get along just fine with the (so called) outlaw bike clubs. And may I add that the motorcycle riders that have Billy clubs, and guns on their vests! Are??????????
You guest it, your communities Police departments.

Sincerely,

JJM

I am the proud ol' lady to a member of a motorcycle "club", not "gang". He is a member of the 2nd largest 1% club in the state of Texas. People look at us and our club as if we are trash and criminals. But if they took the time to see beneath the surface... they would see that we are some of the most giving and charitable people they will ever meet. How many of them would take the take the time to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis or for Breast Cancer Awareness? How many of them would donate their time and money to make sure that hundreds of children had toys for Christmas? Not many of them. I know that another person above me commented on this and it is appreciated. It seems like the only place we are accepted is within our MC and within our own lifestyle because the public won't try to look beyond our image or our bikes and see the people underneath.

As far as my place in the MC... I am as respected and loved within the MC as within my own blood family. I do wear a property patch... but I wear it by choice. I love my man and don't want anyone else messing with me, and he asked me to wear it for the same reasons. It is for my safety as well as the safety of others. It helps keep fights and/or arguements from breaking out between club members at the club house or between members of other clubs when you're away as a club at a rally or event. If you are seen with a PO patch, you're off limits, period. And if someone chooses to disregard the PO patch, they'll be dealt with. This doesn't mean that he can do with me as he pleases. I see it as a form of respect and love from my ol' man, that he loves me enough to want to keep me to himself and keep me safe. The men in MC's take very good care of their women and we in turn take care of them. I never have to worry when I'm out with him or the club. I will be protected and cared for. A PO patch is not demeaning or meant to show ownership. I think some people should get their facts straight before commenting on things they have no clue about.